HOME SAFETY TIPS FROM TAYLOR COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Home Sweet Home"!  We all know the saying, and we all know the feeling,
too.  Home is where we gather with loved ones; it's where we eat, sleep, and
relax in comfort and safety - the one place where we can let down our guard.

Or can we?  According to the National Safety Council's 1995 edition of
Accident Facts, last year, seven million Americans suffered disabling
injuries and another 26,700 died as the result of injuries sustained at
home.  How can you be sure that your home is the safe, sweet haven that you
want it to be?  Lowe's Home Safety Council and the National Safety Council
offer the following checklist of twenty safety items that no home should be
without.  For every item that you can check "Yes", you are decreasing the
risk that someone you love will suffer a home injury or fatality.

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE:

SMOKE DETECTORS

Most home fire deaths happen between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.  Many deaths are
caused by smoke and toxic gases, not the fire itself.  Install smoke
detectors on every level of your home, including the basement and workshop,
and especially near sleeping areas.  For extra protection, consider
installing a smoke detector in every bedroom.  Be sure to test batteries at
least once a month and never remove the batteries from your smoke detector
except to replace them.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, it often goes undetected.
Carbon monoxide is a normal by-product of combustion.  Therefore, any fuel
burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source.  Every home should
have at least one CO detector placed in an area near sleeping rooms.  Be
sure your detector displays the Underwriters Laboratories (UL 2034) label.

GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electronic device that helps
protect you from serious injury by monitoring the electricity flowing in the
circuit.  If an imbalance occurs, the Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter will
almost instantly shut-off the current flowing through the circuit.  A GFCI
is essential in circuits to bathrooms, laundry facilities, kitchens,
swimming pools, and outdoor receptacles.  Test the GFCI monthly by pressing
the test button and then the reset button to see that it is operating
properly.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

A multi-purpose dry chemical Class ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice
for general home use.  Mount the extinguisher on a bracket on the wall near
an exit so that anyone using it can escape from the room if a fire spreads.
All occupants of the home must know when and how to use the extinguisher
properly.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

Make your plan now, before you need it.  Have at least two exits from every
room, and include all occupants of the home in practicing the plan.

FLASHLIGHTS

Make sure the batteries are functional or use flashlights with built-in,
rechargeable batteries.  Keep the flashlights readily accessible at bedsides
and in the basement.

FIRST AID KIT

Keep a well stocked first aid kit (including ipecac syrup) in your home.
Make sure everyone knows where to find it and how and when to use the items
in it.

LIST OF EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Post a list of emergency numbers including police, fire, doctors, and poison
prevention centers at every telephone in the home.  In the event of an
emergency, time is of the essence and even a very young child can phone for
help if the number is available.

TAGGED SHUTOFFS

Place tags on your home shut-off valves for gas, oil, and water, and the
main shut-off for your electrical supply.  Know how to safely turn off these
services to your home in the event of an emergency.

GRAB BARS

Install grab bars in all bathtubs and shower stalls.  Firmly anchor them
into the wall studs with long screws.

SLIP RESISTANT FINISHES

Use a non-slip mat, or install strips or decals in bathtubs or showers to
help prevent slipping.

SAFETY GLAZING

Shower doors, patio doors, window walls, or any other large glass panel in
your home should be made with safety glazing materials (safety glass).  Look
for a permanent mark in the lower corner showing the manufacturer's name,
type of safety glass, and thickness.

HANDRAILS

Every set of stairs, whether inside or outside your home, should have
handrails securely mounted to both sides of the stairs.

STEP STOOL/UTILITY LADDER

A light-weight, sturdy step stool or utility ladder is necessary for those
hard to reach places, for hanging pictures, and for cleaning and general
home maintenance.  Having it readily accessible will keep you from
substituting with a chair.

SUFFICIENT LIGHTING

Use night lights near bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairwells.  Make sure
stairwells and hallways are always adequately lit.  Provide sufficient
lighting to all walkways and entrances to your home.

TESTED APPLIANCES

All electric and gas appliances in your home should carry the Underwriters
Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or American Gas
Association (AGA) designation.

SAFETY GOGGLES

Eye protection is an absolute must for the do-it-yourselfer, but is also
recommended for indoor cleaning, yard, and garage work.

SURVIVAL KIT

Every home is vulnerable to acts of nature.  To prepare yourself for an
unexpected disaster, such as a hurricane, power outage, tornado, or
earthquake, keep a survival kit available.  Your kit should include such
items as tools, a battery operated radio and flashlight, clothing and
bedding, containers of water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit.  To
get a complete list of what should be in a survival kit, contact your local
emergency management office.

HOMES WHERE CHILDREN LIVE OR VISIT NEED SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.  THEY SHOULD
HAVE:

*A lockable, "child-proof" section for every medicine cabinet.
*Locking cabinets for matches, lighters, flammable liquids, potentially
poisonous household cleaners, garden pesticides, auto chemicals, pool
cleaners, etc.
*Plastic safety caps to cover any unused electrical outlets, cabinet locks
for kitchen, hobby areas, and bath vanities.
*Child safety gates at the top and bottom of stairwells.
*A metal fire screen that completely covers the fireplace.
*Spout guards and a mixer faucet for hot and cold bathtub water faucets.
*Edge guards for sharp-edged furniture and fireplace hearths.
*Protective surfacing under and around all outdoor playground equipment.

HOMES WITH SWIMMING POOLS SHOULD HAVE:

*A four foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
*Life preservers.
*Rescue equipment.
*A lockable cabinet for pool chemical storage.
*A poolside telephone.

This checklist is not all-inclusive.  Your home's age and design, amenities
(whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and decks) and the physical condition of your
home's occupants, may all dictate additional safety provisions.  Customize
your safety measures to meet those special needs.  Inspect your home
regularly.  Read warning labels and user manuals, and file them where they
can be found quickly.